Multi sensor detection, stall to stop and lock disabling system

ABSTRACT

A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product whereupon light alarm indicators (color coded) on the detector case light up when a specific compound or agent is detected whereupon the detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product&#39;s lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual&#39;s from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. An authorized individual resets the detection system, and the system&#39;s power source is electrical, battery or computer generated. In addition, the detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 11/397,118 titled “Multi sensor detection and lock disabling system”filed on Apr. 5, 2006 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,385,497, the completesubject matter of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to anti-terrorist detection andprevention systems, and more particularly pertains to a disabling lockmechanism combined with a chemical/biological/radiological detectionsystem for use with products grouped together by similar characteristicsin order to prevent unauthorized entry, contamination and terroristactivity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Terrorist activity is a continuous, daily, worldwide threat to thestability, prosperity, security and peace within nations and between andamong nations. Its danger lies in its arbitrary destructiveness as muchas in its unpredictability, and the constant threat of terroristactivity compels measures and actions that cause strain and contentionin free, democratic societies as security concerns and civil libertyconcerns must be balanced so that both public safety and civil libertiesare maintained. Safety and security concerns can be addressed throughnumerous proactive steps and measures, many of which cause only minimalinterference with and disruption of the daily routines of work, travel,commerce and entertainment. However, because modern industrial societiesafford almost limitless places, locations, and opportunities forterrorist activities, no safety measure or security protocol will befoolproof, but many security measures, systems and protocols can beimplemented that greatly minimize specific threats through fingerprintidentification procedures, chemical, biological, and radiological hazarddetections, bomb and explosive detection, and controlling the access toeverything from shipping containers to school lockers. Thus, the priorart discloses a wide range of security measures and systems.

For example, the Fishbine et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,226)discloses an optical fingerprinting system that includes anoptics/processor unit, a video monitor, a data terminal, and a printerfor collecting and storing data characteristics of all ten individualfingerprints for printing demographic information and fingerprint imagesas desired on a standard booking or applicant card.

The Schiller patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,267) discloses a fingeridentification unit that includes a fingerprint scanning apparatus usinga collimated beam of light to interrogate the fingerprint of a fingerplaced against a platen so that successive scan positions producesignals containing fingerprint information.

The Fishbine et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,152) discloses aportable fingerprint scanning apparatus for optically scanning andrecording fingerprint images and wirelessly transmitting such images toa mobile processing unit for verification and background checking.

The Lougheed et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,404) discloses anoptical scanning apparatus that uses a linear charge coupled device(CCD) for recording the image of a fingerprint on the viewing surface.

The Groger et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,956) discloses a diodelaser based sensor for undertaking optical, chemical, immunological ornucleic acid-based assay or other chemical analysis.

The Feldman patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,706) discloses a multi elementsecurity system for preventing the unauthorized use of an automotivevehicle, and which includes numerous locking and control featuresinterconnected to an onboard cpu.

The Bowker et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,657) discloses a safetyaccess control for doors, handles, locks, etc., wherein the surfacerelief of a finger is read and verified to either allow or preventaccess by the individual to the door, handle, lock, etc.

The Bonder et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,265) discloses afingerprint identification security system wherein a key lock operatedsecurity system utilizes the fingerprint of the individual to controluser access to the security system, such as the ignition system of anautomotive vehicle.

The Anzai et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,745 B1) discloses a keylessauthorization system for use of a motor vehicle that includesfingerprint reading units located on the exterior or interior of themotor vehicle and which are coupled to a control unit for scanning,comparing and matching fingerprints to allow or disallow access to themotor vehicle.

The Hwang patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,652 B1) discloses afingerprint-activated doorknob in which a detecting sensor for afingerprint is placed on the doorknob for measuring and searching thefingerprint against previously stored fingerprint inputs to controlaccess to the door.

The Vor Keller et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,635 B2) discloses asafety holster for a firearm that includes a pivotally mounted retainingmember and a fingerprint sensor for scanning fingerprint information sothat only authorized users can withdraw the firearm from the holster.

The Cordery et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,571 B2) discloses amethod and system for detecting biological and chemical hazards in themail that includes sensors placed within the mail box for sampling andtesting ambient air and so that mail can be safely transported throughthe mail system.

The Nagata patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,213 B2) discloses a coding methodfor digital signal coding and decoding that includes a CMI (code-markedinversion) method of signal coding.

Nonetheless, despite the ingenuity of the above devices, methods, andsystems, there remains a need for a multi-detector and disabling locksystem for use with various types of products collected together bycommon characteristics into product groupings for detecting chemical,biological and radiological agents and compounds and for selectivelydisabling and activating the product locks thereby preventingunauthorized entry and further contamination and preventing andthwarting terrorist activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprehends a chemical/biological/radiologicaldetector unit with a disabling locking system for protecting productsthat can be grouped into several product groupings, from terroristactivity, and also for preventing unauthorized access to and tamperingwith the storage and transport of ordnance and weapons. The productsgrouped into what may be referred to as Product grouping 1 include, butare not limited to, cargo containers, shipping containers, tractortrailers, mail carriers, mail boxes and lockers; while the productsgrouped into what may be referred to as Product grouping 2 include, butare not limited to, chemical, biological, radiological, and nucleardetectors, motion sensors and door sensors. The multi sensor detectionsystem includes the capability to disable an existing lock or activate alock located inside any of the products named in the product groupingcategories upon activation of a sensor or detector included in thesystem. This is a significant feature for the multi sensor detectionsystem as it prevents unauthorized, unequipped and untrained entry andaccess to the product thus preventing further contamination of the siteand to individuals in the area.

The multi sensor detection and lock disabling system includes a detectorcase sized to fit in, upon or adjacent any of the aforedescribedproducts for detecting harmful and dangerous chemical, biological, andradiological agents, compounds and elements. In addition, the multisensor detection and lock disabling system is capable of transmitting asignal to lock or disable a lock on the product, and is also capable oftransmitting signals to a monitoring computer terminal or PC so thatappropriate defensive and safeguarding actions can be undertaken and anauthorized individual can disarm and reset the locking system and themulti sensor detection system. The detector case includes a power source(battery or electrical), interior compartments, Internet and GPSconnections and a cpu interconnected with the Internet and GPSconnections, and also interconnected with one or more off sitemonitoring computer terminals or PCs. The detector case includes one ormore light alarm indicators that are externally visible and that lightup when the chemical, biological, or radiological agent or compound isdetected, and the light alarm indicators (which can be indicator lightsor panels on the front of the detector case) can be color coded fordenoting the specific agent or compound detected, i.e., separate anddistinct colors for indicating detection of the chemical, biological, orradiological agent or compound.

The detector case is designed to hold within the interior compartmentsone or more interchangeable detectors, and each detector is adapted andset up to sample a specific compound or agent. Each detector includes asound alarm, a sensor, a light alarm, and a readings panel, and iselectrically interconnected (either by wire or wirelessly) to the cpu ofthe detector case so that information regarding the detection of theparticular agent or compound can be conveyed from the detectors to thedetector case cpu. Each detector can also be used as a manual,stand-alone hand held scanner.

The multi sensor detection and lock disabling system can beinterconnected to a surveillance watchtower, as well as monitoringcomputer terminals or PCs, with the watchtower scanning shipping andcargo crates and containers being prepared for shipment or sitting forextended periods of time on a dock or at a port, at a railway site, orat an industrial storage facility. The watchtower will scan the cargoand shipping crates and containers for the light alarm indicators ondetector cases that are mounted in or upon the crates and containers,and thus continuous security surveillance of the crates and containerscan be maintained.

An enhanced version of the multi sensor detection and lock disablingsystem can be employed to prevent car and vehicle bombings. Coupling themulti sensor detection and lock disabling system with satellite servicewill enable the detection system to detect explosives and transmit analert signal by satellite to monitoring equipment at a monitoring site.Upon receiving the alert signal at the monitoring site the monitoringequipment activates a stall-to-stop process for disabling the air, fuel,electrical and/or computer system of the vehicle. Moreover, uponreceiving the alert signal at the monitoring site the car or vehiclewill be locked by transmission of a satellite signal that disables thevehicle's electrical and ignition system thereby preventing escape ofthe terrorist.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a multi sensordetection and disabling lock system for securing news racks and vendingmachines in order to prevent theft, unauthorized use and terroristactivity.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a multisensor detection and disabling lock system for preventing terroristactivity by using products grouped together by common features inseveral product groupings such as design similarity, similarity in thepresentation of security problems and similarity with regard to thepresentation of solutions to preventing terrorist solutions.

It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide amulti sensor detection and disabling lock system that is capable ofdisabling an existing lock or activating a lock inside any of theproducts of the product grouping lists when a detector or sensor of thesystem is activated.

It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to providea multi sensor detection and disabling lock system wherein the disablinglock system prevents the unauthorized entry, access and furthercontamination of the products included in the several product groupings.

A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a multisensor detection and lock disabling system that utilizes a multi-taskdevice for preventing terrorist activity to vulnerable products that arecollected or arranged by product grouping categories.

Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide a multisensor detection and disabling lock system to secure cargos andcontainers, especially cargo and shipping containers, against chemical,biological, radiological and nuclear terrorist activity.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a multisensor detection and disabling lock system capable of detectingchemical, biological and radiological agents and compounds.

Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide amulti sensor detection and disabling lock system that includesinterchangeable detectors that operate in conjunction to detectchemical, biological and radiological agents and compounds.

Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide amulti sensor detection and disabling lock system that can be implementedby business or government at a minimum cost by organizing the productsto be protected into product grouping categories.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a multi sensordetection and disabling lock system that accurately and reliably detectsharmful agents, compounds and elements, and prevents the placement andstorage of weapons and bombs in the range of storage containers andfacilities currently available.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a multisensor detection and disabling lock system wherein the interchangeabledetectors that comprise part of the system can be used as stand-alonescanners.

These and other objects, features, and advantages will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon a perusal of the following detaileddescription read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figuresand appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the primaryfeatures of the system which include a detector case, severalinterchangeable detectors, an automatic/mechanical lock disabler and afingerprint biometric lock with disabler;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the multi sensor detection andlock disabling system of the present invention illustrating one of theinterchangeable detectors first shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a is a top plan view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the mounting ofone lock disabler to the lock of a product, such as a container, anddisengaged from the lock of the container;

FIG. 3 b is a top plan view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the engagement ofthe lock disabler to the lock of the product for locking or disablingthe lock of the product so that unauthorized access is prevented;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the detector casemounted to the product, such as the container, with the light alarmindicators externally visible;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating theinterconnection of detector cases with a surveillance watchtower and amonitoring PC terminal;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the placement ofdetector cases upon containers different from the containers of FIG. 5,and wherein the detectors case are interconnected to a surveillancewatchtower and a monitoring PC terminal;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the mounting ofone automatic/mechanical lock disabler to the lock of a standalone newsrack;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating oneinterchangeable detector placed within the standalone news rack;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the detector casehaving color coded front panels for specifically indicating the agents,compounds or elements that have been detected;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the multi sensor detection andlock disabling system of the present invention illustrating the GPS,Internet and power source connections;

FIG. 11 is a representative schematic view of the multi sensor detectionand lock disabling system of the present invention illustrating theinterconnection of the detector with the detector case and the stepsundertaken by the system when an agent or compound is detected;

FIG. 12 is a representative schematic view of the multi sensor detectionand lock disabling system of the present invention illustrating thesequence of steps undertaken by one detector when functioning as a standalone scanner for detecting an agent or compound;

FIG. 13 is a representative schematic view of the multi sensor detectionand lock disabling system of the present invention illustrating theinterconnection of the detector case with the automatic/mechanical lockdisabler for activating the lock disabler upon detection by the systemof an agent or compound;

FIG. 14 is a representative schematic view of the multi sensor detectionand lock disabling system of the present invention illustratinginterconnection of the detector case with the fingerprint biometric lockwith disabler for engaging and disengaging the fingerprint biometriclock as part of the process of detection and safeguarding the publicupon detection of the agent or compound;

FIG. 15 is a representative schematic view of the multi sensor detectionand lock disabling system of the present invention illustrating theincorporation of the system with a surveillance watchtower and amonitoring PC or computer terminal for monitoring containers, such asshipping or cargo containers, that may sit for extended time periods ondocks, at rail yards, and at industrial storage facilities;

FIG. 16 is a representative schematic view of the multi sensor detectionand lock disabling system of the present invention illustrating theintegration of the detection system with a satellite and monitoringequipment at a monitoring site for detecting explosives placed in avehicle and then transmitting signals to the satellite and then to themonitoring site for disabling and locking the vehicle;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the incorporationof the features and elements of the detector case to a cell phone andcell phone case;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the incorporationof a GPS satellite, a monitoring site and a cell phone tower forcommunicating to and with an electronic device such as a laptop computeror a cell phone for transmitting signals to a vehicle for activating anonboard stall-to-stop device for bringing the vehicle to a halt; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system of the present invention illustrating the use of a GPSsatellite in conjunction with the monitoring site and monitoringequipment to relay commands and signals to the cpu or transceiver of thevehicle for stopping or locking the vehicle in response to a signal thata certain type of event (detection of a bomb, engine failure ormalfunction or unauthorized use) has occurred or is in process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-19 is a multi sensor detection and lock disablingsystem 10 for preventing terrorist activity by monitoring, detecting,and securing those critical areas, sites, and facilities vulnerable toterrorist activity. The first step is the identification of criticalareas, sites, locations and facilities that are vulnerable to terroristactivity as convenient places to store and plant explosives and bombsand spread biological, chemical or radiological agents and compounds,followed by the disposition of the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system 10 for monitoring, detecting, and securing theparticular location or site. Vulnerable sites, locations, facilities andareas are nearly limitless in their variety; in order to categorize theprotection the present invention provides an anti-terrorist productgrouping strategy has been developed wherein products made from the sameor similar material, products having the same or similar design, andproducts presenting the same or similar security problems are groupedtogether with the multi sensor detection and lock disabling system 10for preventing terrorist activity. For example, two preferred productgroupings can be Product Grouping I: cargo containers, shippingcontainers, cargo planes, freight train cars, tractor trailers, mailcarriers (UPS, FedEx), airport lockers, news racks (coin and non-coinoperated), mail drop boxes, cluster mail boxes, keyed mail boxes,min-storage houses and buildings, bicycle lockers, stadium lockers,school lockers, cars, trucks, campers, buses, vans and utility vehicles.Product Grouping II: chemical detectors, biological detectors,radiological detectors, nuclear detectors, motion sensors, glass breaksensors, plastic film on glass, high security locks, tampering labels,door sensors, disabling locking systems, vehicle detectors and satellitedisabling locking systems. In addition to grouping products together byfeatures, designs and materials, the multi sensor detection system 10includes a lock disabling capability for disabling an existing lock oractivating a lock on or inside any of the aforementioned products when adetector or sensor of the system is activated. The lock disablingfeature is a crucial component of the invention in so far as it preventsunauthorized, unequipped or untrained individuals from gaining accessand entry to the site and causing further contamination of the site.

As shown in FIGS. 1-10, the multi sensor detection and lock disablingsystem 10 includes at least one—and preferably many—detector case 12that can be placed in, on, upon or adjacent the product, such as theshipping containers 14 of FIGS. 4 and 5 resting upon a platform 16 orthe cargo container 18 of FIG. 6 sitting upon a seaport dock or pier 20.The detector case 12 includes a top 22, a bottom 24, a pair of opposedsides 26 and a front side or panel 28 and an opposite rear or back side30. The rear side 30 has connections or contacts that can include anInternet connection 32, a GPS connection 34 and a power connection 36for a power source. The power source for the detector system 10 can beany conventional battery or electrical source. The detector case 12includes an interior chamber divided into a number of compartments 38for holding therein agent or compound detection means hereinafterfurther described. A cpu 40 is mounted within the detector case 12 andelectrically interconnects, routes, and transmits signals among itemshereinafter further described and also communicates with a monitoringsite and monitoring equipment. The front side 28 of the detector case 12includes indicator means for visually indicating that a specific agent,compound or element has been detected. The indicator means can includecolor coded indicator lights 42 in panel form, as shown in FIG. 9, witheach indicator light panel 42 lighting up with a specific colorcorresponding to the detection of a specific agent or compound; or colorcoded indicator lights 44, as shown FIG. 1, that correspond to andindividually light up on the detection of a specific agent or compound(chemical, biological, or radiological).

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 9-13, the multi sensor detection and lockdisabling system 10 includes a plurality of detectors 46 with eachdetector 46 adapted for and set up to sample for a specific agent orcompound (biological, chemical, or radiological); and the detectors 46are interchangeable for adapting to the needs and demands of futuretechnology. The detectors 46 can also be used as stand alone scanners.In the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least three detectors46 are placed within the detector case 12 with one detector 46 forspecifically sampling biological agents or compounds, one detector 46for sampling chemical agents or compounds, and one detector 46 forsampling radiological agents or compounds. The detectors 46 areinterconnected to the cpu 40 of the detection system 10 by conventionalconnections that can be wire or wireless for transmitting theappropriate signals to the cpu 40 upon detection of the particular agentor compound. As shown in FIG. 2, each detector 46 includes on its frontplate or facing surface a sound alarm indicator 48, a readings panel 50comprising a plastic shield and LED lights for displaying the variousread-out messages, a sensor 52 for detecting the specific agent, elementor compound, and a light alarm indicator 54 that can be color coded foreach specific agent and which is externally visible when the detector 46is used as a stand alone scanner. Each detector 46 includes aconventional microprocessor for controlling the various functions andgenerating the appropriate signals for transmission to the cpu 40 of thedetector case 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 a, 3 b, 9, and 13-15, used in conjunction withthe multi sensor detection and lock disabling system 10 is at least oneautomatic/mechanical lock disabler 56—and depending upon the number ofproducts being monitored there can be one lock disabler 56 for eachproduct. The automatic/mechanical lock disabler 56 is physicallyconnected to the detector case 12 by a wire or cable 58 for receivingsignals therefrom for disabling an existing lock or activating a lockinside a product to prevent access to the product. By way of example,FIG. 3 a shows the automatic/mechanical lock disabler 56 mounted—by anyconventional means—to the lock 60 of the shipping container 14 shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 and connected by wire 58 to the cpu 40 of the detectorcase 12. The lock disabler 56 is in the non-activated or disengagedstate in FIG. 3 a. FIG. 3 b shows the automatic/mechanical lock disabler56 mounted to the lock 60 of the shipping container 14 and in theactivated or engaged state after detection of an agent or compound bythe system 10 thereby for locking or disabling the lock 60 of theshipping container 14 and preventing unauthorized entry and access byunauthorized, untrained and unequipped individuals. In FIGS. 3 a and 3 bthe lock 60 secures doors of the shipping container 14 that can beslidably or pivotably opened and closed.

In addition to the automatic/mechanical lock disabler 56, the multisensor detection and lock disabling system 10 can also utilize afingerprint biometric lock with disabler 62 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 14.The fingerprint biometric lock with disabler 62 is interconnected to thecpu 40 of the detector case 12 for receiving transmissions therefromafter detection of an agent or compound has occurred so that the lock onthe product can be locked or disabled. Moreover, resetting of thefingerprint biometric lock with disabler 62 occurs when the fingerprintof the individual is placed on the fingerprint-matching pad 64, and if amatch occurs with a known fingerprint stored by the cpu 40, then theindividual can reset the fingerprint biometric lock with disabler 56 byturning the manual lock disabler 66. The fingerprint biometric lock withdisabler 62 is mounted to the lock of the product in a manner similar tothe mounting of the automatic/mechanical lock disabler 56 that is shownin FIGS. 3 and 3 b.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show one manner of disposition or placement of thedetector case 12 in relation to the product, i.e., the shippingcontainer 14, with the color coded indicator lights 42 externallyviewable; FIG. 5 shows a number of shipping containers 14 each equippedwith a detector case 12 and integrated with elements hereinafter furtherdescribed for continuously monitoring the shipping containers 14 as theysit for an extended period of time on the truck or rail platform 16.FIG. 6 illustrates several cargo containers 18 sitting on the shippingdock or pier 20, with each cargo container 18 having a detector case 12mounted thereon and integrated with and monitored by elements shown inFIG. 5 and hereinafter further described.

FIG. 7 illustrates a typical product from product grouping 1 that ismonitored by the multi sensor detection and lock disabling system 10 ofthe present invention; specifically, FIG. 7 shows a news rack 68 withone automatic/mechanical lock disabler 56 mounted to and interconnectedwith the locking mechanism of the news rack 68. As long as there is nodetection of any agent or compound, the lock disabler 56 is in thedisengaged state, and the individual can deposit the coin amount in thechute and then freely open the glass panel 70 by the handle 72 forremoving a paper. However, the lock disabler 56 would be activated upondetection of the harmful agent or compound and receipt of a signal fromthe cpu 40 for locking or disabling the locking mechanism therebydenying access to the interior of the news rack 68 from all untrained,unauthorized and unequipped individuals.

FIG. 8 illustrates one detector 46 disposed within the news rack 68 andwhich is visible through the panel 70 for detecting one specific agent,compound or element. The detector 46 functions as a stand-alone scannerand can be wirelessly interconnected to off site monitoring equipment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a representative schematic 74 for describing thesignal transmission process from the detector 46 to the cpu 40 of thedetector case 12. The external stimulus 76 would be the chemical,biological or radiological agent or compound. If there is no detectionof the agent or compound, the detector 46 will stay in the sensing mode78. However, detection of the specific agent will trigger the soundalarm 80 and the light alarm 82, and instant transmittal of a signal tothe cpu 40. The readings 84 can be stored by the cpu 40 for verificationand future review and evaluation. After all the appropriate correctiveand preventative measures have been undertaken by the trained andauthorized personal, and the site has been cleansed of thecontamination, authorized and equipped personal can then reset 86 thesystem 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a representative schematic 88 for the detector 46when used as stand-alone scanner. The detector 46 undergoes the sameessential steps as illustrated in FIG. 11, with the exception of thesignal transmission to the cpu 40. The detector 46 remains in detectionmode 78 until an agent is detected, and then the various functions—lightalarm 82, sound alarm 80, storage of readings 84, and, after theappropriate security and safety steps have been carried out byauthorized personal, detector reset 90 by authorized personal can occurthereby placing the detector 46 back in detection or sensing mode 78.

FIG. 13 is a representative schematic 92 that illustrates the stepsundertaken by the system 10 to lock or disable a lock, such as the lock60 for the shipping container 14 shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. Upondetection of the agent (chemical, biological, radiological) the alarmlight indicators 42 or 44 will light up providing external indicationthat an agent has been detected. In addition, the system 10—the cpu40—will transmit a lock/disable lock signal 94 to theautomatic/mechanical lock disabler 56 to lock or disable the lock on theproduct, such as the lock 60 on the shipping container 14 of FIGS. 3a-5. This prevents unauthorized, unequipped, or untrained individualsfrom entering or gaining access to the product for which a dangerous andperhaps lethal agent has been detected. After the proper authorities andauthorized personal have been notified and all the appropriate security,preventative and clean up measures have been undertaken, the authorizedindividual can perform the disarm and reset function 96 for the system10 placing the system 10 in back in the detection mode 98.

FIG. 14 is a representative schematic 100 illustrating the use of thefingerprint biometric lock with disabler 62 with the system 10. Upondetection of the agent or compound by the detector, the various alarmswould sound and light up (shown in previous figures), and the cpu 40would then transmit a signal to the fingerprint biometric lock withdisabler 62 to lock or disable the lock on the product, such as the lock60 on the shipping containers 14 shown in FIGS. 3 a-5. The shippingcontainers 60 would remain locked and in an access denied mode 101should an attempt be made to gain access to the container 60 by openingthe lock 60 with an unauthorized fingerprint. However, a fingerprintthat matches stored and authorized fingerprints 102 would indicate anauthorized individual, and would allow the individual to disable anddisarm 104 the lock 60 of the shipping container 14. The fingerprintbiometric lock with disabler 62 would then be reset 106 after theappropriate safety, cleanup, and protection measures are completed, andthe system 10 would be reset and placed back in the detection mode 108.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation 110 that illustrates theintegration of a surveillance watchtower 112 and a monitoring terminalor PC 114 for monitoring products such as the shipping containers 14 orcargo containers 16 that sit for extended periods of time of docks,piers 20, truck terminals, rail yards, shipping platforms 16 andindustrial sites as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The watchtower 112 wouldmaintain continuous surveillance over a number of shipping containers60, for example, with detector cases 12 mounted in or on each container14 and set in detection mode 116 with one or more detectors 46 disposedin each detector case 12. The watchtower 112 would continuously scan forlight alarm indicators 42 and 44 on the products, such as the containers14 or 18, and the watchtower 112 would be interconnected and integratedwith the monitoring terminal or PC 114. Upon detection 118 of an agentor compound in one or more of the shipping containers 14, theappropriate light alarm indicators 42 or 44 would light providingvisible confirmation of the detection of the specific agent or compound.The cpu 40 would transmit a lock/disable signal 120 to the lock 60 oneach respective shipping container 14 to lock or disable the lock 60thus preventing access to that respective shipping container 14. Inaddition, signal transmissions would be sent to the monitoring terminalor PC 114 (which could be off site) thereby alerting authorized securitypersonal of the contamination event. With the information received atthe monitoring terminal 114, authorized personal would then be notifiedand dispatched to the area to undertake the appropriate safety andcleanup measures 122. Such measures would also include disarming thelock disabling system in order to gain access to the shipping container14. After all the cleanup and security measures are completed by thetrained and properly equipped authorities, the detection system and thelock disabling feature would reset 124 and the detection system wouldagain be placed in detection mode 116.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation 126 that illustrates an enhancedversion of the multi sensor detection and lock disabling system 10 forpreventing car and vehicle attacks and bombings. The lock disablingsystem 10 would be interconnected to the locking system and mechanism128 of the vehicle 130. In addition, a stall to stop disabling link 132can be made with the fuel, air, and electrical system 134 of the vehicle130. The enhanced version incorporates a satellite 136 for signalreceipt and transmission from the vehicle 130 in which the detectorsystem 10 is placed to a monitoring site and monitoring equipment 138.As shown in FIG. 16, a detection signal 140 would be sent to thesatellite 136 by the detection system 10 upon detection of a bomb orexplosive 142 hidden in the vehicle 130. The satellite 136 would thentransmit an alert signal 144 to the monitoring site 138 with the signal144 containing the relevant data to evaluate the nature of the threat.The monitoring site 138 would then transmit a stall to stop signal 146to the detection system 10 to lock the vehicle 130 and/or disable theelectrical system of the vehicle 130 thereby disabling the vehicle 130,preventing access to the vehicle 130 by locking the vehicle 130, andpreventing any terrorist in the vehicle 130 from escaping.

The detector case 12 can be modified and adapted for inclusion with cellphone cases, satellite cell phone cases, laptop cases, notebook PCcases, PDA cases, carry-on cases, suitcases, and briefcases. Inaddition, the basic monitoring terminal or PC 114, as shown in FIGS. 5and 15, can be adapted and incorporated to include desktop PCs, notebookPCs, laptops, cell phones, LCD monitors, and satellite monitoring.

The system 10 and the watchtower 112, along with the satellite 136 andthe monitoring site 138 can be adapted or incorporated with cell phonetowers and satellites for use with satellite communication and/or a celltower, wi-fi, wi-max, broadband, GPS, navigation, radio frequencyinterconnected to a central processing unit (cpu), such as cpu 40, or atransceiver and monitoring equipment to include but not to be limited tocomputers, laptops, notebooks, PC's, and cell phones for the receipt andtransmission of signals therebetween. The aforementionedtelecommunication and radio communication means can be interactive withany type of motive vehicle that includes but is not limited to cars,trucks, vans, SUVs, trains, subways, boats, ships and airplanes, andwhich is reported stolen, experiences a loss of brakes, or a bomb,explosives or other types of chemical, biological, radiological, ornuclear agents are detected within, upon, affixed or mounted to thevehicle and which detection causes an automatic signal transmission or asignal transmission is activated when a call is made to the monitoringstation by an authorized person. The authorized individual includes butis not limited to the owner, pilot, conductor, captain, police highwaypatrol, security guard and military personnel to the monitoringequipment for activating a vehicle slowdown or stall-to-stop disablingsystem that similar to the disabling system 126 shown in FIG. 16, orincorporating features of the system 126 shown in FIG. 16, from themonitoring equipment to the vehicle. The activation of the stall-to-stopdisabling means or the vehicle slowdown disables or engages thecomputer, electrical, fuel and air systems of the vehicle or acombination of the computer, electrical, fuel and air systems thatinclude but are not limited to the brakes, foot peddle, lights, speedcontrols, ignition, steering, transmission, and the horsepower of themotor.

In addition, the basic stall-to-stop disabling means or the vehicleslowdown means and device can be adapted, modified or designed toinclude: an open bust or open platform for integrating any new andinnovative technology; warning lights indicators; sound alarmindicators; voice alarm indicators; a cell phone to transmit to thevehicle a signal for slowing and halting the vehicle; and a lockdisabling system or means to lock a thief or terrorist inside thevehicle after a transmission is received or sent. Open bust or openplatform also refers to the compatibility of the detector case 12, orthe incorporation of its features in cell phone cases, satellite cellphone cases, laptop cases, notebook PC cases, PDA cases, carry-on cases,briefcases, and suitcases, etc., with other communication, transmissionand surveillance systems whereupon the detector case 12, and itsfeatures, can be seamlessly integrated with other new and emergingsystems and technologies.

Thus, as shown more specifically in FIG. 17, by way of a representativeexample the features and elements of the detector case 12 are shown asbeing incorporated into cell phone detector case 150 and associated cellphone monitor 152. The cell phone monitor 152 includes the standardkeypad functions 154 and more specialized system use (ring tone, email,photos, texting) functions 156 as well as a viewing screen 158. The cellphone detector case 150 includes a recharging cradle or seat 160, afront side 162, a top 164, a bottom 166, and a pair of opposed sides168. At the back of the cell phone detector case 150 are connections,contacts, and ports for at least an Internet connection 170, a GPSconnection 172, and a contact, plug, or port for a power source 174. Thepower source for the cell phone detector case 150 can be anyconventional rechargeable battery source or standard electrical powerfrom a standard electrical receptacle or outlet.

As shown in FIG. 17, the cell phone detector case 150 includes one ormore sensor/detector units, cells, or components 176 built into andincorporated into the case 150. The detector 176 includes generallydisposed at the front 162 of the case 150 the following types ofindicators: a sound alarm indicator 178, a readings panel 180, a sensor182 for detecting one or more specific types of agents, elements,chemicals, compounds, etc., and a light alarm indicator 184. Thesensor/detector 176 will be interconnected to the power source 174. Inaddition, mounted on and externally visible on the sides 168 or front162 of the case 150 are a plurality of color coded indicator lights 186with each light 186 corresponding to a specific agent, element,chemical, compound, etc., and lighting up when that agent is detected bythe sensor/detector 176. The color coded indicator lights 186 will beelectrically interconnected to the sensor/detectors 176 via any standardmicroprocessor. The cell phone detector case 150 and cell phone monitor152 thus comprise a hand-held, easily portable and transportabledetection means that is both effective and unobtrusive in itsdisposition and use.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate representative examples of the integration ofportable electronic communication or telecommunication devices such as acell phone 187 a and/or a laptop computer 187 b with the monitoringequipment 138 located at a predesignated monitoring site 188, andoperating in conjunction with either a satellite and/or a cell phonetower 190 to transmit and receive signals and commands among each otherand to a vehicle 192, such as a truck, as part of a stall-to-stopdisabling system for slowing and stopping the vehicle 192 and locking athief, terrorist, or unauthorized individual in the vehicle 192 ifneeded. A wide range of events can trigger and initiate thestall-to-stop system and the locking or lock disabling system andmechanism, and the event doesn't have to be limited to the detection ofa bomb or a chemical, biological, or radiological agent, element, orcompound. The events can include, but is not limited to, detection of anengine problem to engine failure to the unauthorized use (stealing) ofthe vehicle 192. The vehicle 192 includes an electromotive system 194that comprises, among other components, an onboard computer(s),electrical, fuel and air systems, as well as brakes, ignition, steering,and transmission. Also integrated with and capable of communicating withthe vehicle's 192 electromotive system 194 is a stall-to-stop systemwhile a lock disabling mechanism 196 is able to engage and disengage ordisable the vehicle's 192 locking mechanism 198 upon receipt of theappropriate commands via a lock disabling communication channel or link200. This link 200 can also accommodate the stall-to-stop systemcommands and signals, and thus is a multi-channel communication link. ACPU or a transceiver 202 is programmed to receive signals from the cellphone tower 190 and/or to a GPS satellite 204 and is interconnected withthe stall-to-stop system and the lock disabling system 196 via link 200for engaging the electromotive system 194 and actuating the lockdisabling system 196 to stop the vehicle 192 and lock inside the vehicle192 anyone such as a thief, terrorist or other unauthorized individual.

A representative example for stopping, disabling, and locking thevehicle 192 that utilizes the cell phone tower 190 wherein theactivation and/or distress signal 206 originates from the cell phone 187a or the laptop 187 b and such activation signal 206 travels to the cellphone tower 190 that is nearest the current location of the vehicle 192.A signal 208 is then transmitted to the monitoring site 188 and specificmonitoring equipment 138 that can also include but is not limited tocell phones, laptops, desktop PC's, notebook PC's and LCD monitors. Themonitoring site 138 then communicates by signal 210 to the GPS satellite204 that an original or activation signal has been received and then theGPS satellite 204 locates and communicates by multiplex signal 212 withthe CPU or transceiver 202 on the vehicle 192 and exchanges informationon the type of problem, situation, location, and vehicle speed. Themonitoring equipment 138 then transmits a signal 214 to the cell phonetower 190 that communicates with the transceiver 202 and/or CPU of thevehicle 192 to initiate or execute any commands that will actuate thestall-to-stop disabling link 200 and lock disabling system 196 forbringing the vehicle 192 to a halt and actuating the vehicle's 192locking mechanism 198 for locking the thief, terrorist, or otherunauthorized person inside the vehicle 192 if needed.

FIG. 19 illustrates a representative example wherein the stall-to-stopsystem and the lock disabling system 196 are utilized in conjunctionwith the GPS satellite 204. In FIG. 19 a signal has traveled to thesatellites nearest the vehicle's 192 current location and then thesignal 218 has traveled to the monitoring equipment 138 and monitoringsite 188 which can include but is not limited to satellite cell phones,satellite monitors, cell phones, laptops, desktop PC's, notebook PC's,and LCD monitors. The GPS satellite 204 then locates and communicateswith the CPU and/or transceiver 202 on the vehicle 192 via a multiplex(two-way) signal 220 in order to exchange information on such distressand danger event parameters as the specific problem situation, location,and vehicle speed. The monitoring equipment 138 then transmits a signal222 back to the GPS satellite 204 that in turn communicates via anothersignal 224 with the CPU and/or transceiver 202 to execute any commandsto the stall-to-stop system for executing the disengagement of thevehicle's 192 electromotive system 194 for bringing the vehicle 192 to ahalt and for actuating the lock disabling system 196 to direct the lockdisabling link 200 to actuate the locking mechanism 198 thereby lockingthe vehicle 192 and anyone inside the vehicle 192.

While the invention has been shown and described in a preferredembodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatnumerous alterations, modifications, and variations will possible andpracticable without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas set forth by the appended claims.

1. A stall-to-stop and lock disabling system for slowing and stopping avehicle and locking passengers inside the vehicle wherein the vehicleincludes a transceiver, a stall-to-stop system and a lock disablingsystem that are interconnected to the electromotive system and thelocking mechanism of the vehicle, comprising: monitoring equipmentlocated at a determinate monitoring site; at least one cell phone towerinterconnected to the monitoring equipment for sending signals theretoand receiving signals therefrom; at least one GPS satellite capable ofsending signals to the monitoring equipment and receiving signals fromthe monitoring equipment; the GPS satellite capable of two-way signalcommunication with the transceiver on the vehicle; and whereupon adistress signal sent by a portable communication device to the cellphone tower causes a signal to be sent to the monitoring equipment whichthen communicates with the GPS satellite so that the GPS satellite canlocate and communicate with the transceiver on the vehicle regardingspecifics of the distress event parameters so that the monitoringequipment and the cell phone tower can exchange signals whereby the cellphone tower transmits to the transceiver so that the transceiver canexecute commands that actuate the stall-to-stop system and the lockdisabling system for stopping the vehicle and locking the vehicle sothat anyone inside the vehicle remains in the vehicle.
 2. Thestall-to-stop and lock disabling system of claim 1 wherein the portablecommunication device is a cell phone.
 3. The stall-to-stop and lockdisabling system of claim 2 wherein the portable communication device isa laptop computer.
 4. The stall-to-stop and lock disabling system ofclaim 3 wherein the vehicle is an airplane.
 5. The stall-to-stop andlock disabling system of claim 4 wherein the vehicle is a railway train.6. The stall-to-stop and lock disabling system of claim 5 wherein thevehicle is a ship.
 7. A stall-to-stop and lock disabling system forslowing and stopping a vehicle and locking passengers inside the vehiclewherein the vehicle includes a transceiver, a stall-to-stop system and alock disabling system that are interconnected to the electromotivesystem and the locking mechanism of the vehicle, comprising: monitoringequipment located at a determinate monitoring site; at least one GPSsatellite capable of sending and receiving signals to and from themonitoring equipment and the transceiver of the vehicle; the GPSsatellite capable of two-way signal communication with the transceiverof the vehicle; and whereupon a distress signal sent from a portabletelecommunication device to the GPS satellite causes a signal to be sentto the monitoring equipment followed by the GPS satellite locating andcommunicating with the transceiver of the vehicle for exchanginginformation on the problem situation, location, and speed of the vehicleresulting in the monitoring equipment transmitting a signal to the GPSsatellite and the GPS satellite communicating with the transceiver ofthe vehicle for executing commands that actuate the stall-to-stop systemand the lock disabling system for stopping the vehicle and locking thevehicle so that anyone inside the vehicle must remain inside thevehicle.
 8. The stall-to-stop and lock disabling system of claim 7wherein the portable communication device is a cell phone.
 9. Thestall-to-stop and lock disabling system of claim 8 wherein the portablecommunication device is a laptop computer.
 10. The stall-to-stop andlock disabling system of claim 9 wherein the portable communicationdevice is a desktop PC.